Los Angeles has added a one-of-a-kind destination for artisan pizza and exquisite sausage meats all within a visually and sense-awakening atmosphere. Apollonia's Pizzeria has opened its doors in the city's famous Miracle Mile. The pizzeria is owned by acclaimed photographer and experienced pizza-maker, Justin De Leon.

"At Apollonia's Pizzeria we pride ourselves in presenting our customers with locally grown ingredients garnered from the community farmer's markets, neighborhood bakeries, and resident meat distributors. Our freshly made, hand-tossed dough along with our secret sauce and cheese serve as the perfect pallet for our exquisite meat selection, which is sure to appease the most refined palates," commented De Leon.

In addition to its artisan pizza menu, Apollonia's Pizzeria offers an exotic sausage menu which includes the "Dirty Agent" (rattlesnake sausage with tomato, onion and garlic) and other tasty sausages such as alligator and basil, duck and bacon, chicken tequila and Mexican chorizo. Favorite traditional pies are also always on the menu from pepperoni to a classic savory margherita and even a gluten-free crust.

With more than 25 years of experience in the pizza industry, Justin De Leon knows that crafting an enticing pie is only one of the many steps in the process of creating an unforgettable experience for his pizza-eating patrons. He devoutly believes that while enjoying an artisan slice of pizza is an act primarily meant to indulge the taste buds, it is also an immensely visual and graphic encounter that transcends the gustatory sense.

Inspired by his fine art and his appreciation for the intricacies of the visual atmosphere, De Leon has created a visually striking space setting just the right mood for enjoying an Angeleno-made and mouthwatering slice of thin crust pizza, which includes a 6 x 29 feet mural by renowned L.A. artist GRONK.

"Our mission is to provide our customers with the best pizza experience of their life. We believe in presenting our patrons with more than just a slice of pizza. We have created an aesthetically curious space where the optical sense is encouraged to wander and indulge itself in a visual and graphic delight. We have transformed the act of eating pizza into an occurrence better suited for all the senses to enjoy."

It is no coincidence that De Leon has an affinity towards the visual, a result of his photographic studies at Art Center College of Design. His work has been exhibited at the Carnegie Museum in New York and various galleries and publications across the United States including Los Angeles Magazine and the Los Angeles Times.

The official grand opening of the pizzeria will take place on Saturday, July 28, 2012 at 11:00 am.

Apollonia's Pizzeria is located at
5176 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036
just one block east of La Brea.